Gaer Fach Defended Enclosure

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a small earthwork defended enclosure, which probably dates to the Iron Age period (c. 800 BC - AD 43). It is located on a gentle W-facing slope. The enclosure is oval in shape and measures 45m NW-SE by 30m transversely. The enclosing bank is well preserved and measures 2m in height and 5m in width. The outer ditch survives particularly well on the S side, where it measures 1m in depth and 3.5m in width. The remains of a former cottage of post-medieval date occupy the W side of the interior. The foundations are rectangular in plan and measure 17.5m N-S by 5.5m transversely. A N-S aligned internal terrace boundary is visible to the E. The N and S entrances to the enclosure, both measuring 5m in width, are probably associated with the cottage and one may mask the location of the entrance associated with the prehistoric enclosure.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of later prehistoric defensive organisation and settlement. The site forms an important element within the wider later prehistoric context and within the surrounding landscape. The cottage and associated features can be expected to preserve information relating to post-medieval land use, settlement and economy. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, building techniques and functional detail.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and an area around within which related evidence may be expected to survive. It is roughly circular in shape on plan and measures 75m in diameter.